"A guilty man set free on the account of another, is that justice? No that’s grace" Caleb & Sol

29 July 2013

GOD SEES THROUGH THE DECEPTION

Prov
16:2

If you talk
to most unsaved
peopleabout Jesus and the gospel
they will usually say something like this “I
don’t need to be saved, I’m alright, what’s wrong with me?” Or you can hear them say“I’m not afraid…..I’m an honest person, I don’t hurt
anyone.” By our human
nature [depravity] we tend to think the problem is outside of us when in
reality the problem is in us. We think that
we’re ok, but such a pre-mature opinion of oneself is adolescent and smug at
best. The person
may be far from pure when the Lord weighs the motives. Albert Barnes
said “We are blind to our own faults; we do not see ourselves as others see us.” Remember
the words of Jeremiah “the
heart is deceitful and desperately wicked...” Jer 17:9. You talk to
most religious people they will say “I’m
alright, we just fine”

Ask a Mormon?

Ask a
Jehovah’s Witness?

Ask a Jewish
person?

Ask a Muslim?

Ask an
Atheist?

Ask an
Agnostic?

Ask an
libertarian?

They’re no
different than the unsaved man, deceived by their own understanding. There are
even good intentional Christians who think their walk is perfect before God. But as the
Proverb goes “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way
to death.” Prov 14:12. There is a
question before this morning!

How easily can we be
deceived? Though that
this is a fictitious story the point still hits home to body of Christ. “A story of a
pastor who transformed himself into a homeless person and went to the 10,000
member church that he was to be introduced as the head pastor at that morning.
He walked around his soon to be church for 30 minutes while it was filling with
people for service....only 3 people out of the 7-10,000 people said hello to
him. He asked people for change to buy food....NO ONE in the church gave him
change. He went into the sanctuary to sit down in the front of the church and
was asked by the ushers if he would please sit n the back. He greeted people to
be greeted back with stares and dirty looks, with people looking down on him
and judging him. As he sat in
the back of the church, he listened to the church announcements and such. When
all that was done, the elders went up and were excited to introduce the new
pastor of the church to the congregation........"We would like to
introduce to you our new Pastor"....The
congregation looked around clapping with joy and anticipation.....The homeless
man sitting in the back stood up.....and started walking down the aisle.....the
clapping stopped with ALL eyes on him....he walked up the altar and took the
microphone from the elders (who were in on this) and paused for a
moment....then he recited “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come,
you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared
for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me
something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a
stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick
and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ “Then the
righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or
thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and
invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or
in prison and go to visit you?’ “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you,
whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine,
you did for me.’ After he
recited the passage, he looked towards the congregation and told them all what
he had experienced that morning...many began to cry and many heads were bowed
in shame.... he then said....Today I see a gathering of people......not a
church of Jesus Christ. The world has enough people, but not enough
disciples...when will YOU decide to become disciples? He then dismissed service
until next week.”

The church in
general is full of stories like this! It’s sad, but there is some truth to this
tale. The question
is! What are we going to do about this? Is this story
talking about me? The church
for the greater part has come to a point where we’re satisfied with the
status-quo in the Christian life. We know enough,
saved enough and what we see as a standard may not be what God holds a standard. We
need to hold up the mirror of the word of God to our lives and it will
reveal that things are not quite right. That they may
not measure up to God’s standards. Chuck
Swindoll had a very provocative post this week that sort of ties in to what
then Proverb is trying to tell us this morning. It’s one of
those posts that make you say as Voddie Baucham says “you better say ouch, before you say amen! Amen” In his post
he says in Larry Crabb's book titled “The
Pressure's Off” speaks volumes to the church. Larry Crabb
said “As a culture, present-day Christianity has redefined spiritual maturity.
The reformers knew we were saved to glorify God. We moderns live to be blessed.
The mature among us are now thought to be the successful, the happy, the
effective people on top of things and doing well…We're more attracted to
sermons, books, and conferences that reveal the secrets to fulfillment…than to
spiritual direction that leads us through affliction into the presence of the
Father.”

We come to a
Proverb that speaks not only to the conscience but also to the heart! That’s why
the word of God is so powerful to correct, admonish, and comfort those in His
truth through the work and ministry of the Spirit. Prov
16:2 “All the ways of a man are pure in
his own eyes, but the LORD weighs the spirit”. See, we can
easily deceive ourselves into thinking everything is ok. The Lord
alone can evaluate or behaviour because He knows our heart and our motives. And God by
His Spirit and His word provides the penetrating evaluation. We have seen
this deception throughout history….Beginning in
the Garden with Adam and Eve, deceived to think
they could be like God. After
the flood the
people were deceived by their own idea thinking that they knew better than God
when they built a tower for themselves. Abraham
thinking
that if I say my wife Sarah is my sister then we will be ok. His
Son Isaac
did the same with his wife. Samson being deceived
by Delilah and her girlish charm. The Israelites denying that they were in bondage, when
they answered Jesus. We see a man
who loved the Lord dearly, but was easily deceived by his own pride and
arrogance. “Even if I
must die with you, I will not deny you...” Matt 26:35, but we all know what
happened a few hours later! Many people
today are being deceived, trying to get to Heaven by their own religious
efforts. A good church
attendance record so people can see your faithfulness. Always
serving to look good; but not really caring about the people you’re serving. Going through
the motions to appease your conscience. A person that
says “amen” to the gospel message, but has never shared their faith with anyone
or cares less too.

I want us to
look at church this morning that was deceived thinking that “All the ways of a
man are pure in his own eyes…” A church that
can represent a church of any age or generation; whether it’s past, present or
future. A church that
desperately needed to be shaken up in their deception and complacency, otherwise
they were going to meet their demise very soon. Turn
to Revelation chapter three! THE CHURCH OF
LAODICEA! This church was so deceived and ignorant that the bible says “it sickens the Lord!”(v16). The Laodiceans
were famous for 3 things! Wool, Wealth and Medical treatment of
blindness. That’s why we
see read the gentle rebuke from the Lord “I counsel you to buy from Me gold
refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be
clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your
eyes with eye salve [cream, or ointment], that you
may see.” (v18). We need to
understand.

This is a church that has people attending regularly because
this is what good Christians do.

This is a church that gives there money to the church and
charities as long as it doesn't infringe on their lifestyle or standard of
living.

This is a church that chooses what is popular over what is
right when they’re in conflict, they desire to fit in both at church and
outside the church.

This is a church that rarely shares it faith with their
neighbors, co-workers or friends.

This is a church that is moved by stories of people who do radical
things for Christ, yet they do not act on it.

This is a church that gauges their morality or goodness by
comparing themselves to the secular world or their neighbor.

This is a church that claims to have Jesus as a part of their
lives, but only a part.

But, Isaiah
wrote “And the Lord said: "Because this people draw near with their mouth
and honor me with their lips, while their hearts are far from me, and their
fear of me is a commandment taught by men,” Isa 29:13. I want us to
look at the language John uses to describe their deception and complacency and
how easily the North American church has bought into this philosophy! This scares
me to death by the way! Not for me, but for so many who think they are in right
standing, when in reality they are not. My wife and I
know tons of people like this [I wish I didn’t have to say tons] and we pray for
them daily.

Wretchedin this
passage means “miserable or despicable” They were so
deceived by their ignorance they couldn't see their own wretchedness. They couldn't see the sentence of Judgment that awaited them if they continue down this road. This gives
the implication that the people in this church were so blinded by their riches and
status in life………. they missed what Christ truly came to do. “to save sinners". Thinking I’m
not as bad as this guy “he’s wretched, I’m good” but in reality they were the
ones who were wretched as well. They were so
deceived to think that this what God wants for His church and for your life,
but in reality they were the ones who were lost and desperately needed Him. I know I’m
radically depraved and wretched! That’s what makes His grace seem more beautiful
than ever, that a holy God would
save a wretch like me! But as the
Apostle Paul said “Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body
of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself
serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin.”
Rom 7:24-25

Miserablemeans “pitiable
or disgraceful” See, a
miserable person is one that neither knows their misery, nor their need of
mercy. It’s that
person that says “I’m alright” “or “I have need of nothing!” But we do
need something! Christ Jesus………….it doesn't matter where you are in life! Whether
you’re rich or poor, whether you live in a mansion or live in a cardboard box. Jesus came to
save the lost, the pitiable from their bondage of sin. These people were
so pitiable they didn't think they needed to be saved.

Poor which means “beggar” they were deceived that in
their physical wealth they had security in eternal life. But what John
is saying is that "they were poor in the law of God" What did
Jesus say to rich young ruler? "If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and
give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow
Me." Matt 19:21. Our riches
are in Christ, not in earthly possessions. My worth is
found in Christ, not in what I’ve accumulated over my 43 years of life. As Don Moen
said in his song “Give
Thanks” “And now let the weak say, "I am strong" Let the
poor say, "I am rich. Because of what the Lord has done for us"

Blindmeans “to inflate with self-conceit, pomposity or
proud” They were so
proud it made them blind to their spiritual state, it made them blind to needs
of others! “Let
them alone; they are blind guides. And if the blind lead the blind, both will
fall into a pit." Matt
15:14. The natural
man is blind to the saving knowledge of God in Christ, as to the way of
salvation by Christ, as to the blindness of their own hearts. So, in
reality, if you are not a genuine child of God then you’re nothing more than a
hater of God who desperately needs His saving grace as Paul said in the first
chapter of Romans.

Naked means
figuratively “they were nude” Sin has
stripped man of his moral clothing; man’s own righteousness will never cover
his nakedness; and whoever is destitute of the righteousness of Christ is a
naked person. The church of
Laodicea is like the story of the Emperor’s new clothes! “A couple of
conniving men pretended to be tailors. Knowing the king’s vanity about his
clothes, they began a scheme to weave invisible garments. And the king bought
into it! He took off all his clothes and put on the invisible suit. He walked
in a royal possession down the streets to show everyone his magnificent
clothes. At first everyone exclaimed praises over what he was “wearing”. Then a
little boy had the audacity to say “Look at the king. He is altogether as naked
as the day he was born!” Just as God
provided a sacrifice for Adam’s sin. Just as God
provided a sacrifice for Abraham's sin. Just as God
provided a sacrifice for our sin. Those who are
in Christ Jesus are clothed with His righteousness, sealed by the Holy Spirit. See they were
a people who were trying to attain eternal life through their own effort or
goodness because they were blind to the fact they were wretched to begin with. And sadly in
the end it leads to Judgement and eternal damnation.

A PERSON CAN
BE SO EASILY DECEIVED TO THINKING THAT THEY'RE “alright, good enough, or ok” butJohn begs to
differ! This is the dangers of deception, they look good on the outside, but inside
its full of dead men bones. You’re not
alright and you desperately need to come to alter and confess. (v20-v22). THE
SUNDAY QUESTION! Are we [you]
satisfied being “godly enough”, to get yourself to Heaven, or to look good in
comparison to others? Or do you
want to say with the Apostle Paul “that I may know him and the power of his
resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death”
Phil 3:10. I found this
Proverb to very convicting and challenging this week! Are we ok or are we just
kidding ourselves in the church? It caused me
to really exam my heart and motives when it comes to Christian life. This is my
prayer for me and I hope you will pray this with me today! Lord, reveal
to me where I’m lukewarm? Lord, please
give me the strength in the areas that cause me to be lukewarm? Lord, do
whatever it takes to get me on fire for you? If that means
something has to go! Lord please, reveal that to me? You know my heart
and I want my heart to say with Paul “that I may know him and the power of his
resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death”
Phil 3:10

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"Radical obediance to Christ is not easy; it is dangerous. It is not smooth sailing aboard a luxury liner; it is sacrificial duty aboard a troop carrier. It's not comfort, not health, not wealth, and not prosperity in this world. Radical obediance to Christ risks losing all these things. But in the end, such risk finds its reward in Christ. and He is more than enough for us." David Platt

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2 Timothy 2:8-14"Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, who saved us and called us toa holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began,and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, for which I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher, which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to me.Follow the pattern of the soundwords that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you."ESV

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John MacArthur says . . . " There seems almost no limit to what modern church leaders will do to entice people who aren't interested in worship and preaching. Too many have bought the notion that the church must win people by offering an alternative form of entertainment. Just how far will the church go in competing with Hollywood? A large church in the southwestern United States has installed a half-million dollar special-effects system that can produce smoke, fire, sparks, and laser lights in the auditorium. The church sent staff members to study live special effects at Bally's Casino in Las Vegas. The pastor ended one service by ascending to "heaven" via invisible wires that drew him up out of sight while the choir and orchestra added a musical accompaniment to the smoke, fire, and light show. It was just a typical Sunday show for that pastor: "He packs his church with such special effects as ... cranking up a chain saw and toppling a tree to make a point ... the biggest Fourth of July fireworks display in town and a Christmas service with a rented elephant, kangaroo and zebra. The Christmas show features 100 clowns with gifts for the congregation's children."Shenanigans like that would have been the stuff of Spurgeon's worst nightmares. And even Tozer could not have foreseen the extreme to which evangelicals would go in paying homage to the great god Entertainment. "

What does it mean to live a cross centered life?by Pastor Mike AndrewsWe as Christians know that there is only one road to take. The Bible say's "wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it" (Matt 7:13). Why is there so many people who profess Jesus Christ taking this road? (Phil 3:19) "Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things". The Bible say's the wide road leads to destruction. Which means eternally separated from a HOLY and Sovereign GOD. There is ony one road for GENUINE Christian. And it's the narrow road. A life that is: 1) Self denial2) Caring your cross daily3) Desiring the things of God4) Hating the things that God hates5) Submission and obedience6) Holy living7) Expects any kind of persecution.(Mat 10:22) and you will be hated by all for My name's sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved(1 John 3:13) Do not be surprised, brothers, that the world hates you.A.W. Tozer says "The true follower of Christ will not ask, "If I embrace this truth, what will it cost me?" Rather he will say, "This is truth. God help me to walk in it, let come what may!" (1Pet 4:16-17) Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?We must stand strong in the Gospel of Christ. Holding to His promise of eternal life.
1. A Cross Centered life never is ashamed of His Gospel, for which He suffers,
2. A Cross Centered Life is never ashamed of the name he bears (Christian)
3. Nor of the punishment he endures, but let US, as OUR Lord and Master did, endure the cross.

"God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him." John Piper"Alan Redpathhad two daughters who loved to swarm him when he came home at night. As he came in the door one evening, his little girls ran to meet him. One grabbed his leg and hugged him with all her might. He snatched the other daughter up in his arms. The one squeezing his leg said, "Now, I've got all of Daddy." The daughter in his arms replied, "Yes, but Daddy has got all of me!" Perhaps the question we need to continually ask is, "Does God have all of me?" Alan Redpath

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"Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, "CURSED IS EVERYONE WHO HANGS ON A TREE") Gal 3:13. That's why as the great puritan once said "I preach as a dying man,to dying men. Richard Baxter...."